Solar Powered Shelters

Many cities have started to install solar powered bus shelters and LANta is no exception. The first one that was erected by LANta is in Allentown located at the intersection of Vultee and Lehigh Streets. This initiative is a start for LANta to purchase environmentally friendly solar shelters as new ones are added as well as replacing the older ones with the new ‘green’ shelters. The three major concerns of any bus shelter are safety, lighting and weather protection and all the current and the solar shelter have them covered.

The solar shelter utilizes the sun’s rays reducing the amount of electrical energy used while providing a safe and well-lit waiting areas for passengers. The rays are received though a solar recovery panel on the roof that has a built-in storage mechanism for ‘holding’ the energy from the sun to create light inside the shelter when necessary. Each new shelter will have the usual updated amenities: trash receptacle, bench with rails and smoker’s station.

All solar shelters are being purchased through Handi Hut located in Clifton, NJ and erected by Wenck Construction located in Allentown, Pa. The cost of a solar shelter is roughly $9,400 whereas the cost of a regular shelter is $6,300, a $3,000 difference. However, this will be saved in the electric costs and higher advertising revenue. When advertising is installed in a lit shelter the fee for that advertising is higher than if it is installed in an unlit shelter.

Lehigh Valley Mall Upgrade

Lehigh Valley Mall will be receiving three new extra-large shelters. Currently the standard shelter is 5’ x 7’ and the new ones will be 24’ x 6’. These will not be solar powered as the parking lot is well lit between dusk and dawn. The main reason that these new shelters are being added is to afford more seating in a very heavily used area. In addition to the shelters there will be one extra-long bench not found in a shelter which will allow for even more seating capacity.

These shelters which cost $17,000 each were purchased through Handi Hut and will be installed by Wenck Construction. The expected time of shipping is mid-September and LANta will have them installed within days of receiving them.Route 33 Park and Ride Upgrade

The third area that LANta is working on with new shelters is the Route 33 Park and Ride. Two extra-large bus shelters have been slated for erection at this location. These shelters are also being erected to add seating and accommodate the multitude of riders moving through the area every day. These shelters will have the benches and will utilize the amenities from the current shelters.